This not-advertised new 'feature' offered by Comcast is activated when a paying customer tries to share a legal (or perhaps illegal) file utilizing BitTorrent technology. When a file is 'seeded' (made available for transfer) online, some ISP-side sneaky software developed by Comcast apparently kicks in, canceling the file transfer, by sending 'break' messages to people trying to download the file.

Comcast's argument for possibly doing the above might be that vast amounts of their bandwidth is soaked up through illegal file transferring. A spokesperson for Comcast, Charlie Douglas, was vague as to the particulars of this new traffic-changing technique. However, Mr. Douglas was quoted as saying that Comcast does "have a responsibility to manage our network to ensure all our customers have the best broadband experience possible. This means [that] we use the latest technologies to manage our network to provide a quality experience for all Comcast subscribers."

BitTorrents use has exploded over the last few years for illegal, P2P file transfers -- but also as a legitimate way to disseminate files over the vast chasms of Earth's InterVoid. It seems reasonable to assume that some Comcast subscribers hearing that complete access to BitTorrent is being limited may be somewhat irked, or even possibly perturbed.

For more information on this recently breaking story, follow the link below.

Update: For Comcast's view and refutation of the matter, follow this link.

Wouldn't it make sense to beef up their head-end rather than actively blocking certain programs if bandwidth is actually the problem? People are paying for the service and it's their responsibility to provide it, and if they can't because of bandwidth then it's also their responsibility to expand and provide more bandwidth.

BitTorrent has many legal uses. As do many other programs, but just about any program can be used illegally. Are they going to start doing things based off of biased assumptions?

Hit the nail on the head! Comcast has some nerve! I'm forced to use it because its the only ISP/Cable provider in my area, let me tell you its one of the WORST ISP's ever. Both the cable service and internet service *bleep* up all the time and they refuse to even acknowledge it. The prices are insane for their shit service and now this! Outrageous, if I can't Torrent anymore I'll move for the sole purpose of getting a new ISP.

Sounds like a bunch of crap to me also! A person has the right to do what they like with the limited bandwidth they are given. Looks like to me they will be going down soon. People won't put up with that kind of policy. I know I would not.

It is called the "Big Brother" rules, people. They are unconstituional and go against the principals this country [USA] was built upon.

Now, first off, let me Quote one of the founding Fathers [the name is lost to me I am terribal with names] " A government is best, that governs least". Now yes, Comcast is not the "Governemnt" But in this case they are, as they run the internet service.

This is all part of what is going on these days. The higher powers are trying to control the Plebians. It just doesn't float. It is just another example of Socialism working its magic in the American market place. Soaring prices, shit customer support, and workers, shitty products and on the side, a whole heaping pile of shitty "hide-ware". If Comcast can't even tell their customers about it, they can't legally do it!

Further, this is just one more encroachment upon Freedom, which the true implications of which are lost on many. But suffice it to say, that if my freedom to upload, and downlaod, it taken away. I could [would and should] sue Comcasts ass right the *bleep* off!